Flood tragedy near the city

The death of a man and his two children in a fast-flowing flood has spurred the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) authorities to avert further distress. GBENGA OMOKHUNU reports

Residents of Lokogoma near Apo District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) will not forget August 17. That was when a man driving his two children to a summer class was swept off by the strong currents of a flooded waterway. All three drowned.

It was after a heavy downpour. Some said the motorist was warned not to brave the raging flood.

The man and his children (a son and a daughter) were riding in a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) at about 8 O’clock in the morning.

All efforts to rescue them failed. Their bodies were later recovered from the flood.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, on learning of the tragedy, directed the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to quickly investigate the report of the fatal flood incident to determine its cause with a view to preventing future occurrence.

The Director-General of FEMA, Malam Abbas Idris, who addressed newsmen later that day said, “While the FEMA is working to establish contact with the bereaved families, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello’s prayers are with the relatives and loved ones of the victims, especially the mother of the house.” A preliminary report said the mother of the two children was not in the vehicle during the incident.

Meteorological reports at the beginning of the rainy season included Abuja among places that are likely to witness severe flooding this year as a major effect of climate change.

The Director-General, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) Prof Sani Mashi said, “It means that chances of flood generation will be high; we have alerted that there is going to be risk of flooding, especially in areas that there are major rivers. Recently, you recall that it happened in Tafa in Suleja, because it is within the region of River Gurara and that is why it was vulnerable to flooding.”

Noting that Abuja is also on the sidelines of the Gurara River, the Administration reiterated its earlier advice to residents to avoid paths that are likely to be prone to flooding especially during the rains.

Not satisfied with the government’s action and reaction to the sad incidents, several estates in Lokogoma besieged the FCTA Secretariat, Area 11, Garki, last week, protesting the deaths of the three persons.

The residents, under the aegis of Lokogoma District Residents’ Association, said they were at the secretariat to express their displeasure over the demise of Mr. Kenneth Nwogu and his two children who tragically lost their lives to the unfortunate flash flood.

Chairman, Lokogoma District Residents’ Association, Mr. Joseph Nnorom during the protest commended the Administration for initiating a mass housing programme to solve housing problems of the people, adding that the “objective has been partially met” because the public came in and built estates.

Regretting the dearth of social amenities such as health facilities, pipe-borne water and good road network at the estate, Mr. Nnorom called on the FCT administration to quickly do the needful.

He demanded: “We are therefore demanding immediate provision of primary infrastructure for Lokogoma residents to reduce environmental hazards and also prevent avoidable fatalities in future.”

With this, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said it has concluded arrangements for immediate commencement of a temporary access road to Lokogoma Estate which would serve as a palliative measure to the current hardship and losses faced by its residents.

The newly appointed FCTA Permanent Secretary, Mr. Christian Ohaa, said this while addressing the protesters.

According to Ohaa, the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello and the entire Administration were seriously saddened by the incident and have therefore directed the FCDA and relevant departments to quickly provide palliative measures to enable residents safely access their homes at all times.

In swift compliance, FCDA Director of Engineering, Engr. Ahmad Hadi who led a strong delegation of top FCTA officials, including Directors of Departments of Development Control and Facility Management and Maintenance, as well as staff of Gilmor Contractors on inspection tour of the estate, urged the residents to be patient, adding that the residents would be happy after they are through with the work.

Speaking to Abuja Review on his impression of the task, Hadi noted that huge work was required for a temporary access road, adding that they were willing to move into Lokogoma for infrastructure provision but however, 20 to 30 percent of property in Lokogoma was already sitting on right of ways, meaning that such structures would eventually have to go to make way for “full scale works” in line with the provision of the Abuja Master Plan.

When asked how soon Lokogoma residents would heave a sigh of relief from the challenge of access road into the estates, Engr. Hadi responded: “we have already called in Gilmor Contractors to come and assess the condition of the road and come out with the best palliative we can have. And I am sure you will all be happy when we are done”.

Hadi also called on residents of Lokogoma so stop blocking waterways by dumping refuse into them and blocking of drainage systems where they existed.

A delegation from the minister has visited and condoled with the Nwoga family over the death of Mr. Kenneth Nkem Nwoga and two of his children.

The three-man delegation was led by the Director-General of the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Alhaji Abbas Idris.

In a message delivered on his behalf, the Minister described the death of Mr. Nwoga and his two children as heart rendering, adding that he was deeply touched when he received the news of the death of three members of the same family in the unfortunate flood incident.

The Minister who urged the family to remain strong in the face of the tragedy, prayed Almighty God to grant eternal rest to the victims and also give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Wife of the late Mr. Nwoga, Mrs. Ijeoma Kenneth Nwoga, who received the delegation, thanked the FCT Minister for sending a delegation to visit and commiserate with the family, adding that the visit was very soothing and has boosted their spirits.

Mrs. Nwoga said the family had six children including the two, Master Prestige (9) and Miss Winner (13) who died along with their father.

The delegation also used the opportunity to relate the Minister’s appeal to residents of the area to remain calm and support the FCT Administration in its effort towards finding permanent solution to the issue of flooding and other challenges in the area.